Feeling relieved right now because my mom decided to cancel my graduation party. I’m graduating this year, and I can’t wait to leave that place behind, but I’ve always disliked the whole graduation process. The ceremony itself is fine, but I think graduation parties are just not my thing. I really don’t enjoy being the center of attention, and I don’t feel like I deserve to be celebrated. I told my mom multiple times that I didn’t want a party, but ultimately, the decision was hers.
She went ahead and booked a venue anyway, and I just went along with it. Her reasoning was that it was for my dad to “show me off,” which I really don’t appreciate. That just means he’d invite a bunch of his friends from work, most of whom I can’t stand, despite my requests to keep it small.
Earlier today, she joked about how she could just use some free pork we got and make pulled pork sandwiches for the party. I immediately shut that down—I really dislike pork. I had told her before that she could choose the food, as long as it was something I liked and didn’t cost too much since I wasn’t willing to put effort into something I didn’t want. She then asked if I even wanted a party, to which I reminded her that I hadn’t wanted one in the first place. She said she would cancel it, and I told her it was her decision.
I know I might come off as ungrateful, but I’ve been clear about my feelings, and I’m honestly just relieved that the party is off the table now.
It’s totally understandable to feel relieved about not having a graduation party, especially since you’ve been clear about your feelings from the start. It sounds like you really don’t want to be the center of attention, and it’s okay to prioritize your comfort over tradition. It’s great that you communicated your preferences to your mom, but it can be tough when others don’t fully listen or understand. Graduation is a huge milestone, and it should be celebrated in a way that feels good to you, not just what others expect. If you do end up celebrating in a different way that feels more fitting for you, I hope it’s something that you enjoy. You’ve worked hard, so make sure you find a way to acknowledge your achievement that feels right for you!